中國寓言故事雙語版 第44期:爭先恐後
Wang Yuqi was a well-known expert in driving carriages in the State of Zhao.
王於期是趙國有名的駕車能手。
When Xiang Zi of Zhao heard of this, he asked Wang to teach him to drive a carriage.
趙襄子聽說後，讓王於期教他駕車的本領。
Not long after, Xiang Zi of Zhao thought he had already mastered the skills, and suggested a race against Wang.
不久，趙襄子自以爲已經學會了，就提出要和王於期比賽駕車。
He didn't expect that after he had changed horses three times in succession, he still lost the race to Wang.
他沒想到，一連換了三次馬，都輸給了王於期。
Xiang Zi of Zhao was flustered and exasperated.
趙襄子氣急敗壞，很不滿意。
He said to Wang: "In teaching me to drive, have you held anything back and not taught me all your skills?"
對王於期說:“您教我駕車，是不是留了一手，沒有把全部本領教給我?”
Hearing this, Wang smiled and said: "You ought to believe that I have taught you all the skills in driving a carriage.
王於期聽後，笑着說:“您應該相信，我把駕車的本領已經全部教給您了。
But, when Your Highness was racing against me, you always tried to keep in front of me.
但是，大王在跟我比賽的時候，總是跑在我的前面。
Once you lagged behind, you strove to overtake me; but after you overtook me, you were afraid that I would catch up with you.
一落後就想拼命地追上我;而大王跑到我前面以後，又怕被我追上。
You focused all your attention on me.
您把注意力全部放在了我身上。
You forgot that in driving a carriage, the most important thing is to take care of the horses wholeheartedly and pay attention to the handlebars of the carriage and the harness to see whether they fit or not.
忘記了凡是駕車，最關鍵的是首先要一心一意地調理馬匹，注意車把、馬套合適不合適;
Only then can you give the rein to the horses and let them gallop for 1,000 li.
然後才談得上縱馬飛騰，奔馳千里。
But during the race, you not only strove to be the first but also feared to lag behind.
而您在比賽的時候，既想爭先，又恐落後。
How could you concentrate your mind on driving the carriage?"
怎麼會集中思想駕車呢?”
Hearing this, Xiang Zi of Zhao was enlightened.
趙襄子聽了恍然大悟。
He gave a deep sigh and said: "Your words certainly hit the nail on the head. That is the very reason why I lagged behind."
感慨地說：“您的話，真是一針見血。這纔是我落後的根本原因啊!”
